Motorcycle News - Triumph Tribute – Trophy Cafe Racer
https://ift.tt/2Nojtbi “I wanted to build a tribute to Dads old Ariel 250 that first got me into motorcycles. It was highly tuned. I got to spend plenty of time handing spanners across to him in the garage so that we could take it racing again.” says Matt. “I’m not a particularly skilled mechanic. I started looking for something that would fit my lanky frame and that I could build with my limited skill set. I found a company on the Isle of Wight who made subframe and bodywork kits for old Hinckley Triumphs so I bought the Trophy and got to work.” Soon afterwards the bodywork and subframe kit arrived from Cafe Racer Kits UK complete with detailed instructions. The build began, as most do, with a full teardown. Unfortunately, things quickly went beyond what Matt had hoped for. As he became more intimate with the bike he discovered that several things were in worse condition than predicated. This blew out his timeframe and meant he would have to pick up some new skills to get the job done. Then came the most stressful stage of the build, cutting the frame. “This was a nervous time. I measured 3 times then got a cup of tea. Measured a couple times more and called mate over. Had another cup of tea. He measured it twice and finally I was convinced I was cutting correctly!” After a few carefully made cuts the new subframe bolted straight on. Then, to future proof things, Matt powder coated and refurbished the swinging arm and wheels. Thanks to his girlfriend, the engine was rebuilt using a pro-bolt kit and safety wired in preparation for the track. A Hagon shock was fitted to improve handling and add some rear end lift for a more aggressive stance. Matt also invested some serious time into the Triumph’s electrical system. The bolt-on kit relocated the battery, which he had swapped for a lightweight version and added a new fuse box. He then began the tedious task of building a completely new wiring loom based on the original. Since the bike was destined to race a few performance modifications were also in order. Free-flowing air filters replace the stock box, a custom exhaust system was installed and the carbs tuned to suit. To finish the build off Matt took inspiration directly from his fathers old Ariel. “The body is the same blue that was on Dad’s and bares his race numbers,” says Matt. “I also added a simplified Buddhist Wheel of Life with an alchemist symbol on the outside. The piece means ‘live in your years’ and that’s what I wanted to capture with this bike because Dad really lived. I’m trying to do the same thing.”
“I’m not a mechanic. I don’t have too many skills. But, if you take your time, you number everything,take loads of photos, take loads of notes, you could build something like this.”Matt’s father raced at Lydden Hill, the same track where the BSMC Cafe Racer Cup was held. It was the first time he’d had taken the Triumph racing and it clearly performed well. Along with an impressive 4th overall placing he arranged to have a few photos taken that mimicked shots he had of his father racing his Aerial. It’s a moving tribute and an experience that is sure to be a lasting memory. For the complete build story of this Triumph Trophy cafe racer, in Matt’s own words, watch the Bike Shed video below. Special thanks to The Bike Shed. First photo in story by Amy Shore Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb August 28, 2018 at 07:58AM
MotoGP News - Ducati MotoGP team raises concerns over Silverstone riders' meeting
https://ift.tt/2P9lUij The "spontaneous" nature of the riders' meeting in which it was ultimately decided to abandon last weekend's MotoGP race at Silverstone has been criticised by Ducati Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei August 28, 2018 at 07:58AM
F1 News - Hungarian GP: Jolyon Palmer column - Why F1’s ultimate underdog Force India has bright future
https://ift.tt/2BQBIoc Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, who left Renault during the 2017 season, has joined the BBC team to offer insight and analysis from the point of view of the competitors. Aside from a big first-corner crash, the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix probably won't live too long in the memory for many. But for the Force India team, it was one of the most significant weekends of their existence. Just four weeks ago, at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the team entered administration as mounting long-term debts finally caught up with them. They remained hopeful of salvation, but things were bleak and only deepened throughout that race weekend. Both drivers limped out of qualifying at the first hurdle, ending up in 18th and 19th on the grid at the Hungaroring, and subsequently finished the race well outside the points. Force India are the ultimate underdog team of recent years. They have one of the smallest budgets in Formula 1, but have punched well above their weight, scoring numerous against-the-odds podiums (including one in Baku this year). But at the end of July, the outfit known as the best 'bang-for-buck' performers was in turmoil, on the precipice of collapse and with an on-track performance to match. Fast forward four weeks and things have never looked rosier for them. Bright start of a new dawnBought out by a consortium led by Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll, father of Williams driver Lance, more than 400 jobs at the factory have been saved, and the team reconstituted as a 'new' entry, with a new-ish name, Racing Point Force India. More memorably, last weekend saw one of their best ever team qualifying performances - Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez took third and fourth on the grid in a crazy, wet top 10 shoot-out in Spa on Saturday. It could have been so different, as Perez survived one of the biggest moments I've ever witnessed at Eau Rouge, on slick tyres on a wet track. It is a notoriously punishing corner and Perez absolutely rally-crossed it, sliding at high speed right next to the barriers. But he held on majestically. Both drivers did a superb job and really showed the talent they both possess. Finishing fifth and sixth in the race was ultimately the most they could do in a car far slower than those in the 'A' race ahead, but Perez's attempt to hold off Valtteri Bottas' Mercedes in the closing stages was valiant. A horrible situation to perform inThe whole season must have been uncomfortable for Perez and Ocon. We now know how close Force India were to collapse, and being in a team on the precipice is a horrible situation for a driver to have to perform in. When I was third driver for Lotus in 2015, it was a similar situation. For the entire year, the team was scraping by with last-minute sponsorship deals left, right and centre, and a bit of goodwill to match. For the drivers, though, it is extremely tough. I was only doing some free practice sessions in 2015, but the precarious nature of the team upped the pressure and responsibility massively. Firstly, turning up not knowing if we would be racing or not, it was tough to get into the right mental space to drive. Secondly, knowing that a lack of spare parts meant any damage could result in the team not being able to race, or even worse, collapse completely. It made the job Romain Grosjean did to take a podium in Spa 2015 even more remarkable. As he celebrated, the bailiffs were literally impounding the Lotus cars and equipment in the Belgian paddock. Lotus moved on and turned into Renault at the end of the year following a buyout, and Force India look to be through the chaos and unpredictability of their current predicament. It is a testament to both drivers that they have remained so professional throughout, and ultimately managed to keep delivering on track through difficult times. I had my first F1 test with Force India back in Abu Dhabi 2014 and I know first-hand how good they are, how hard working, but mainly what a great atmosphere they have in the team. That must have helped them through the tough moments. It's good to see their future secure again and marked with a superb weekend performance. Ocon the pawn in a wider gameThe next question now Force India have been saved is, what will happen to their drivers? It would seem obvious to keep the same pairing for the future, given both are proven to be quick and consistent. The only question mark last year was their relationship after a few on-track incidents and off-track niggles. They seem to have put that behind them this year, though, and have been much more controlled. What changes the situation goes back to the saviour of the team - Lawrence Stroll. His son Lance is racing for Williams and it's been heavily rumoured that Lance will be driving for Force India at the latest next year, and possibly before the end of this one. It was one of the big talking points in the paddock last weekend, and no-one involved in the situation - Lance Stroll, Force India or Williams - said anything to suggest it was not on the cards. Perez was instrumental in the changing of ownership at Force India. He was owed a large sum of money and ended up putting them into administration, with a view to them being saved in the long run. The feeling in the paddock is that Perez's seat is therefore safe as he is linked in to the new ownership. He also brings a sizeable chunk of sponsorship from his Mexican backers. So the pressure and question marks gather around Ocon. Ocon didn't need his performance in Belgium to demonstrate how good he is - he's already done that in his now two-year career in Formula 1. In theory, the timing of the buy-out should be good for him, because logic dictates that Stroll, who has had an extremely difficult season in an underperforming Williams team, can't replace a future star who is delivering and is backed by Mercedes, who supply Force India's engines. Stroll Jr switch would be riskyFor Stroll Jr, there are two main risks in stepping into the Force India. Firstly, his'pay driver' image, which comes from his billionaire father buying his way up the motorsport ladder and into Formula 1, would only be massively enhanced. Secondly, he would then be paired up alongside Perez and could be found wanting, as he was alongside Felipe Massa at Williams for the vast majority of last year. Stroll's team-mate this year is rookie Sergey Sirotkin, and the Russian has been on average the quicker of the two, up eight-five in qualifying after 13 races. Williams say it's impossible to judge the drivers in a car so bad. I disagree. Looking back through the years, great drivers have shown well in poor cars. Think back to Ayrton Senna in the Toleman in 1984, Fernando Alonso in a Minardi in 2001, or even more recently the late Jules Bianchi in the Marussia. The Renault I was driving in 2016 was a difficult car as well, but the fundamentals of driving it quickly don't change. You spend practice setting up the car as best you can, and then qualify and race to the maximum within the limits of the equipment you are given. Despite that, both Lawrence and Lance Stroll will surely be tempted by the prospect of a Force India drive, though, and the chance to move up the grid. After all, Stroll has had a few stand-out performances in Formula 1 as well. There's talent there and that was proven by his qualifying effort in the wet in Monza last year, to put a Williams on the front row alongside Lewis Hamilton. Although there are risks for Stroll, the signs are that he will end up in a Force India sooner or later. That would mean Ocon is left looking for another seat, which would be a shame for him, and it's tough for him to be in this position. A number of teams have potential vacancies for 2019 - McLaren, Williams, Haas and Sauber. But there are complications involved in all of them, especially in sorting out a deal for the remaining races of this season. And right now it's not obvious where he might end up. But surely someone with his talent and with Mercedes behind him will be an attractive proposition for another team in the end? #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 28, 2018 at 07:24AM
Motorcycle News - ONE IN TWO BILLION. Smoked Garage’s BMW G310R Scrambler
https://ift.tt/2MCasPt Written by Andrew Jones In case you haven’t already figured it out, they buy a lot of bikes in India and South East Asia. 2 billion odd people will tend to do good things to your sales curve. Most manufacturers are falling over themselves to get a piece of this exotic pie; even the likes of Harley, Triumph and Norton have their fingers in there. And now BMW have teamed up with Indian maker TVS to produce the 313cc, single cylinder, 33hp G310R naked. It’s the first ever BMW bike not to be made in Europe, and one of the first we’ve ever seen customised. Here’s how Bali’s Smoked Garage see it as a scrambler. And we like what we see. “At Smoked Garage, we are all about the future and pushing boundaries,” says the shop’s Ricardo Agostino. “We leave but learn from the past and always look for ways to define and revolutionise the unknown. Being based in Bali, Indonesia, the opportunity for creativity is truly endless and the abundant means to execute those ideas is what allows Smoked Garage to thrive and excite.” More and more, Smoked is seeing an influx of people coming into the shop from all around the world. “They have an interest in motorcycles – some big and some small. It’s similar to the ‘Ace Cafe’, but in the southern hemisphere.” The main attraction, of course, are the bikes. “They are such a recognisable form and we wanted to recreate that feeling with our next project.” Enter their BMW G310. “Our first thought was that there was lots going on with this bike; to our eyes it was very complicated. So we decided to go for a scrambler build that would display an adventure purpose with similar aesthetics to the original, but also gently shoving it into the future.” “The main inspiration is the original BMW R90. It’s a light nimble bike, with a truly timeless shape. But of course, being Smoked, we needed to bring this build into the modern era and into the future. It all began when the customer came in with a brand new 2018 BMW G310 which he had bought straight from the BMW showroom floor. After a few coffees (it was the middle of the day – beers will come later!) we came up with a minimalistic design, to remove the clutter of the original but also to make a big impression.” Originally, Smoked decided to use a BMW R NineT, but the G310 proved lighter and nimbler, which for the streets of Bali are perfect and to retain the feel of the original R90. And just between you and me, we’ve seen enough custom R nines to last a lifetime. “For a scrambler build that’s going to go where there are no roads, light is better. After stripping the body clean, we used a foam to build its new shape. Once we were all happy with the measurements, off to the metal works we go.” “Originally, Smoked decided to use a BMWR NineT, but the G310 proved lighter and nimbler, which for the streets of Bali are perfect.” “The design is very compact, this came with its difficulties. We needed to build a custom airbox and fuel pump to accommodate the streamlined build. We also had to re-wire and hide many cables to achieve the desired look. That was the most challenging aspect of the build; streamlining the shape and after we got the exact look we wanted, then everything else just fell into place. We cleaned up the rear lights by building them into the chassis. All the indicators have been removed and they are now installed on the end of the handlebars, along with bar end mirrors.” The finishing touch to make sure the beemer really stands out was the exhaust, and a really loud exhaust at that. “Once we were happy with it and the rest of the build, the bike was sent to the paint shop. We decided to retain the original red and grey colorway, but to polish them to give a modern shine. After two months and many late nights with the customer – this time over beers – we have built a motorcycle we are extremely proud of!” “The minimalist, aggressive and modern look with an excellent ride will look as good as it does on the streets as it does in the middle of nowhere. It’s nimble and effortless to weave through traffic and also easy to maneuver in the softest of Bali sands. We didn’t bother with a name, it doesn’t need one. Twisting the accelerator, hearing the roar of the engine through the exhaust and not flinching on dirt roads and potholes is an exhilarating feeling.” It’s a clean, very refined and cool-looking BMW scrambler that will make even die-hard environmentalists turn their heads and look. “What they think of, we don’t care. That’s the DNA of the custom’s design; it does what it wants, when it wants. A rebel through and through, and a handsome one at that!” [ Smoked Garage – Facebook – Instagram | Photos by Speed People ] Motorcycles via Pipeburn.com http://www.pipeburn.com August 28, 2018 at 06:43AM
MotoGP News - Silverstone launches track investigation after MotoGP cancellation
https://ift.tt/2NqANfw Silverstone has launched an independent track investigation and defended its new surface following the cancellation of the MotoGP races last weekend... Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei August 28, 2018 at 05:57AM
MotoGP News - Why there's no excuse for Silverstone MotoGP race cancellation
https://ift.tt/2BSU5Jf The disastrous race cancellation at Silverstone must be used as an example to avoid MotoGP facing similar situations in the future, says ORIOL PUIGDEMONT Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei August 28, 2018 at 04:27AM
Motorcycle News - The NeverEnding Story: This SR500 took 7 years to build
https://ift.tt/2wjiumh
Joseph’s based in Sydney, Australia, and customizes bikes part time as Simple Sycles. This SR isn’t his only custom build, but it was the one he started with—and it’s been in a constant state of evolution since. “I’m equally happy and sad to say it’s version four,” he quips.
Soon after, Joseph spotted a 1978 SR500 at a wrecker about three hours drive away. It seemed like a good deal—until he got it home. He realized it needed a full motor rebuild.
He’s also not too big to admit that he can’t do everything, so he’s gradually built up a network of skilled pros that can jump in when needed.
Joseph rode the bike for a while, bolting on a few off-the-shelf bits as he went. But somewhere along the line, he decided to ditch the bolt-ons and go all in. And that meant radical changes to the suspension at both ends.
For the front, Joseph sourced a complete Suzuki GSX-R front end from Cognito Moto, complete with triple clamps and an 18” laced front wheel. Along with a Cognito rear loop with an integrated LED taillight and turn signals, they were shipped straight to Greg to install.
The remaining mods gradually came together—like the custom seat, which Joseph was pedantic enough to send back to his upholsterer, Streamline Trimming, four times. “My mindset was that this was my bike,” he explains. “I was never going to sell it, so no point in being complacent.”
The fuel tank is from a Honda CB250, and the fenders are modded SR numbers. Bolt-on bits that still remain include a Rizoma brake reservoir, a mix of POSH and Motogadget switches, a Joker Machine gas cap, vintage-style rubber foot pegs, and CNC levers.
The bike was torn down, and built up again with a few new parts. Those included a set of scrambler bars borrowed from another bike, a new oil cooler from Omega Racer, and a Brembo front brake upgrade.
Colourfuel gave the tank, fenders, frame and calipers all a fresh lick of paint. All while Joseph nipped and tucked a hundred small things in pursuit of perfection.
Joseph’s bought, customized and sold a bunch of bikes since staring on the SR535 (some of which funded this build). He’s finally calling it though—the SR535 is officially done, and up for sale.
Simple Sycles Instagram | Images by Jim Robinson Motorcycles via Bike EXIF http://www.bikeexif.com August 27, 2018 at 12:29PM
MotoGP News - FIM: Silverstone surface has degraded since 2018 MotoGP inspections
https://ift.tt/2wk53SR FIM Safety Officer Franco Uncini claims Silverstone's new for 2018 track surface has deteriorated considerably since it was first laid after the cancellation of MotoGP's British Grand Prix Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei August 27, 2018 at 08:23AM
F1 News - F1 gossip: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari
https://ift.tt/2BPQgVn Monday, 27 AugustFIA race director Charlie Whiting was "amused" by Lewis Hamilton saying Ferrari has "trick things" on its cars. (Motorsport.com) Mercedes driver Hamilton insisted he did not mean to suggest Ferrari are doing anything illegal. (PlanetF1.com) Hamilton says his own team has for a long time had the slower car, and he is concerned by Ferrari's advantage. (Sky Sports) Mercedes is considering a closer collaboration with Racing Point Force India. (Autosport) Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo will incur a grid penalty at the Italian Grand Prix, where he will take a fresh Formula 1 engine. (Crash.net) Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas picked up a time penalty and two penalty points for colliding with Sergey Sirotkin at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Motorsport.com) Bottas said he was "hurt" by Mercedes team director Toto Wolff's description of him as a "sensational wingman". (Independent) #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 27, 2018 at 01:42AM
F1 News - Leclerc's life 'could have been saved' by protection
https://ift.tt/2whFthj Fernando Alonso said Formula 1's 'halo' head protection system could have saved Charles Leclerc in a huge crash at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Spaniard's McLaren landed on top of Leclerc's Sauber after being launched into the air by Renault's Nico Hulkenberg, who missed his braking point at the first corner. Photographs and television replays show Alonso's car being deflected by the halo, which had impact marks on it afterwards. "I saw the replay and I saw how good was the proof for the halo," Alonso said. "We didn't need any proof but it is a good thing." The halo was a controversial introduction to F1 this season, with a significant minority of the drivers feeling it was not needed and many fans objecting to its appearance. There was also a feeling in some quarters that it was diluting F1's ethos as an open-cockpit formula. Alonso, who was one of the majority of drivers in favour of the halo's introduction, added: "The positive side is we are all three OK, especially Charles. I flew over his car and the halo was a good thing to have today." Leclerc added: "If today it has been useful or not, I don't know. I don't know what would have happened without it but in some cases it is definitely helpful." Hulkenberg was handed a 10-place grid penalty at the next race in Italy this coming weekend, as well as three licence penalty points, bringing his total to four of the 12 permitted before a race ban. Hulkenberg said he was "disappointed and frustrated" with himself for the incident. He added: "I don't want that for myself, for Fernando, for everyone. It is a shame and very bitter to take that and difficult to swallow and be out in lap one after the summer break. "It caught me by surprise. I just misjudged my braking point a little bit and there was no real time to recover it." Alonso likened the incident to the one at the same race in 2012, when then Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was given a race ban for causing a similar incident, in which the Spaniard was also innocently involved. Speaking before Hulkenberg's penalty was announced, Alonso said: "That time Romain had a race ban. This time, we'll see. It is tough to understand how you can miss (your braking) so much. "It is not a couple of metres, you arrive at a speed that it is impossible to negotiate the corner. So, sad for that but happy that we are all fine." The stewards took into account the Grosjean incident but pointed out in their verdict that at the time the penalty point system had not been introduced. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 August 26, 2018 at 01:24PM |
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